Common Core State StandardL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.

News Video for: 09/23/2019

Pelosi Wants To Clarify Laws On Indictment Of Sitting Presidents

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week endorsed the idea of changing federal protocol to clarify that sitting presidents can be indicted. “A president should be indicted, if he's committed a wrongdoing — any president,” she said. “There is nothing anyplace that says the president should not be indicted." The Justice Department has concluded in the past that the criminal prosecution of a sitting president "would unconstitutionally undermine the capacity of the executive branch to perform its constitutionally assigned functions."

Class discussion: Do you think a prosecutor should be able to charge a sitting president with a crime? Could standing trial prevent a president from performing his duties? Should that make a difference? Why or why not? Is the United States truly a “nation of laws” and not political power? Should the president, a member of Congress or any other official be subject to the same laws as everyone else? Do politicians ever ignore laws to get what they want? Can you find any examples?